South African wines outshines French competitors at Global Syrah Masters 2024

The Global Syrah Masters, part of the annual series of competitions organised by industry-leading publication the drinks business, was open to any Syrah in the world, either as a varietal or a blend with at least 50% of Syrah.

The eight expert judges, including five Masters of Wine and a Master Sommelier, tasted all entries blind and awarded medals from Bronze to Gold, as well as the prestigious title of Master for exceptional examples.

40% of the South African entries won a Gold or Master medal, demonstrating the country's excellence as well as great value, which wines ranging from under £10 to £50, offering quality that rivals much higher-priced counterparts. Gold medallists from South Africa included Saronsberg Cellar, Bruce Jack Wines, Stellenrust, and Flagstone.

The highest achievement, the Master medal, was awarded to only eight wines, after tasting over 100 wines from every corner of the globe. South Africa was the only country apart from Australia to receive the prestigious award, won for Saronsberg Cellar's Full Circle 2022.

"This brilliant combination of Saronsberg's skilled winemaking and Tulbagh's affinity for Mediterranean grapes, above all Syrah, is wonderfully displayed in this high-end expression," said chair of judges and drinks business editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt MW. Judges were won over by the wine's rich character, from ripe plums and cherry jam to sweet peaches and creamy pears, paired with notes of fresh toast and roasted coffee. Patrick Schmitt MW described Full Circle as "powerful and warming, as well as complex and surprisingly refreshing too".

Saronsberg's winemaker Daniela Jansen features the 2024 Master Winemakers Top 100 organised by the drinks business, which gives recognition to the best wine producers in the world. Her Full Circle 2021 also won a Master medal in last year's Syrah competition - highlighting the consistent excellence of Saronsberg Cellar.

For a full list of winners and detailed judges' analysis, please click HERE.

South African Silver, Gold and Master medal winners